Communities

Scientific Name

Richea dracophylla

Family Name

EPACRIDACEAE

Common Name

Dragon Heath

Status

Height

5.0m (500cm)

Flowers

White in large dense terminal spikes 13cm long with large brown bracts protruding from head.

Fruit

Capsule

Form

Erect slightly branched shrub

Municipalities

Break O'Day; Derwent Valley; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kingborough; Tasman

Communities

Montane Vegetation; Rainforest

Habitat Notes

Tas. endemic. Locally frequent in montane forests.

Site Tolerance

Exposed; Moist; Shady; Windy

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Well-drained

General Notes

Not suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Propagation Calendar

Flowering Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Collecting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sowing Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cutting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Tiny 5-segmented fruits, splitting when dry. collect the capsules just prior to opening

Seed Treatment Method

Smoke

Seed Storage Life

Short

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

May be grown from fresh seed. Surface sow or lightly cover. Do not sow too thinly or thickly. Smoke treatment may improve results. The very small seedlings should be pricked out as soon as possibe as they develop long tap roots.

Germination Time

Suitable for Direct Seeding

Cuttings

Expected Time to Take Root

Expected Time to Plant Out

Propagation by Division N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.

Cutting Notes

Also grown from cuttings, although some species are difficult. Particular care should be taken when handling the minute seedlings because they develop long, fine roots. A well-composted soil is essential and care should be taken not to let plants dry out. Some overhead shade is desirable.